Digital Video Camera for Amateur Use
Guiding you through the recording jungle

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There are few things as memorable as a keepsake or heirloom than a picture or video. Capturing a specific moment in time to use to reminisce in the halcyon days of yesteryear is enjoyable and an entertaining method of bringing the past closer to the present. A good digital video camera can be chosen and purchased to aid the average person in creating a library of moments forever captured in time.

Finding a good digital video camera or camcorder for amateur use is not an easy task – especially for an amateur. Should the amateur go with the cheapest? What considerations should an amateur make when purchasing a reliable digital video camera for capturing those special moments?

The first digital video camera found perfect for consideration as an amateur digital video camera is the Canon MD101 MiniDV Camcorder. The 16:9 true recording with a widescreen LCD viewfinder means a higher viewing area to insure you get the shot you are looking for. The 30X optical zoom is high powered and allows for those important close ups. Of course, the microphone is built in and there is an external mic socket “just in case”.

With the purchase of Canon MD101 MiniDV Camcorder, the consumer gets the camcorder, an AC cable, a compact power adapter, SCART adapter, English instructions, Stereo video cable, battery pack, and compact power adapter. The dimensions make for an easy to handle and lightweight digital video camera at 57 by 92 by 119 mm. The DIGIC DV colours offer lifelike imagery at its best, and with a price of around £175, the consumer has a nice, reliable digital video camera perfect for the amateur.

For all those Sony fans, the Sony DCR HC27e is an excellent digital video camera for the amateur. With 800,000 advanced pixel HAD CCD, the images will provide excellent quality without the worry of complete pixelation which is a problem with many lower quality digital video cameras. The 20x optical zoom is common for a digital video camera, but the 800x digital zoom is impressive and well worth the price. The 2.5 inch LCD monitor means you control more of the final video or image.

With the purchase of the Sony DCR HC27e comes with a rechargeable lithium ion battery, av cables, English instructions, AC charger / adapter, and one of the best warranties in the camera industry backed by Sony. With a lower than expected price tag of approximately £180, this digital video camera is a powerhouse and well worth the price making it a favourite among amateurs.

Many people swear by Panasonic products. For those Panasonic fans, there is the Panasonic VDR D100 DVD camcorder. The super stabiliser offers excellent quality and control of the recording process with realistic image to recording features. The 30x optical zoom is top of the line without all the distortion facing many digital video camcorders of lesser quality. While not the best digital video camcorder offered by Panasonic, this is indeed an impressive addition to its family of products.

The multi-format capabilities means the consumer can record in DVD-RAM/-R/-RW format with ease. The direct PC interface allows the user to quickly and painlessly transfer the recordings to the PC. Finally, low distortion make this a good digital video camcorder for amateur use.

For an approximate price of, the purchaser £250 gets the user a lithium ion battery, strap, instructions, lens cap, USB cable, and an AC charger / adapter. For the amateur wanting the best capabilities and features at a reasonable price will find this Panasonic VDR D100 DVD camcorder is well worth the investigation.

No matter what level of expertise photographer you are, finding a good amateur digital video camera is important for many uses. Panasonic, Sony, and Canon all offer affordable solutions for the amateur and professional user, but with all the choices available today, you have to ponder what exactly you are expecting from the digital video camera you purchase.